Each year the Emerging Researchers in Ageing (ERA) hold a pre-conference session before the British Society of Gerontology (BSG) annual conference. The session is designed for early career researchers (ECRs) to engage in workshops, share their research, and network with other ECRs.
Join us at the University of East Anglia on Tuesday 4th July (12:00-17:00) and Wednesday 5th July (09:00-11:00), for our 2023 pre-conference session!
ECRs face many difficulties, both systemic to the role of the ECR and linked to the challenging and ever-growing field of gerontological research. When it comes to envisioning a professional future beyond the PhD, there are many areas of uncertainty which may disrupt the planning of more diverse career paths.
Therefore, this year’s pre-conference is about how we can each bring our diverse views to the discipline, learning how to participate in the world of Gerontology through careers that showcase our unique skills and contributions. We will reflect on the barriers and enablers associated with a career in gerontology and, with the help of careers coach Ruth Winden, learn some useful tips on professional planning for an array of different career paths.
Day 1:
Following an informal lunch where delegates will have the opportunity to network with other ECRs, the pre-conference will officially start with an introduction from the ERA committee and BSG President Carol Holland.
After the introductions, delegates will attend a workshop with international career management coach Ruth Winden. This interactive*, live workshop will help ERA members identify, plan and take the necessary steps towards achieving their career goals.
In the evening there will be further opportunity for delegates to network via an (optional) informal get-together.
Day 2:
We open our second morning with our ECR presentations. Delegates have the opportunity to submit abstracts to present their own research. This is a great opportunity to present work in progress and preliminary findings to a wide audience of their peers.
The morning closes with the announcement of the new incoming ERA committee members and an overview of how you can get involved in our mentoring scheme!
We look forward to seeing you there!
* Note: please bring along 1-2 job advertisements, portfolio, or business ideas to analyse during the interactive session!
A note about our facilitator:
Ruth Winden is an international career management coach who has worked with clients all over the world to make well-informed, courageous, and confident career transitions. Over the years, Ruth developed a genuine passion for two client groups: early career researchers and older workers. After two decades of leading her consultancy, Ruth made a major change in 2020 to become the “Careers with Research Consultant” at the University of Leeds. Here, Ruth implements the Researcher Development Concordat and facilitates the career development of 1500 postdocs. She still fulfils her passion for older workers by remaining a BSG member and working on initiatives to support PhDs and postdocs who come to research later in their careers and lives. Do say hi via Twitter: @Ruth Winden or LinkedIn